Patent application number | Description | Published |
20130053636 | TRACHEAL TUBE WITH VISUALIZATION DEVICE AND INTEGRATED FLUSHING SYSTEM - The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components. | 02-28-2013 |
20130109947 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTINUOUS NON-INVASIVE BLOOD PRESSURE MEASUREMENT USING PHOTOACOUSTICS | 05-02-2013 |
20130144147 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PHOTOACOUSTIC MONITORING USING INDICATOR DILUTION - A patient monitoring system may provide photoacoustic sensing based on an indicator dilution to determine one or more physiological parameters of a subject. The system may detect an acoustic pressure signal, which may include one or more thermo-dilution responses, one or more hemo-dilution responses, or a combination thereof. For example, a thermo-dilution indicator and/or a hemo-dilution indicator may be used to determine one or more hemodynamic parameters. In a further example, an isotonic indicator and a hypertonic indicator may be used to determine one or more hemodynamic parameters of the subject. | 06-06-2013 |
20130144148 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PHOTOACOUSTIC MONITORING USING INDICATOR DILUTION - A patient monitoring system may provide photoacoustic sensing based on an indicator dilution to determine one or more physiological parameters of a subject. The system may detect an acoustic pressure signal, which may include one or more thermo-dilution responses, one or more hemo-dilution responses, or a combination thereof. For example, a thermo-dilution indicator and/or a hemo-dilution indicator may be used to determine one or more hemodynamic parameters. In a further example, an isotonic indicator and a hypertonic indicator may be used to determine one or more hemodynamic parameters of the subject. | 06-06-2013 |
20130158413 | OPTICAL MEASUREMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL BLOOD PARAMETERS - Systems and methods for measuring a physiological parameter of tissue in a patient are provided herein, such as a system to optically analyze tissue of a patient. An example system includes a tissue interface assembly configured to emit an input optical signal into the tissue, receive a reference optical signal and a measurement optical signal from the tissue, and transfer the reference optical signal and the measurement optical signal to the optical link. The optical link is configured to transfer the reference optical signal and the measurement optical signal. The transceiver is configured to receive and convert the optical signals into digital signals. | 06-20-2013 |
20130291871 | CUFF PRESSURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE FOR A TRACHEAL TUBE - According to various embodiments, methods and systems for determining pressure in an inflatable cuff of a tracheal tube may employ pressure transducers associated with a cuff inflation line or a pilot balloon assembly. The pressure transducers may be implemented to provide continuous or intermittent cuff pressure. Also provided are tracheal tubes with adapters or other devices that incorporate pressure transducers. The tracheal tubes may facilitate wireless cuff pressure monitoring. | 11-07-2013 |
20140073900 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING CARDIAC OUTPUT - Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a system and method for non-invasively determining a cardiac output of a patient that may include a photoacoustic sensor and a determination of oxygen uptake of the patient. Specifically, a signal from a photoacoustic sensor may be used to determine a mixed venous and an arterial oxygen saturation of the patient. The parameters of mixed venous and arterial oxygen saturation in conjunction with oxygen uptake may be used to calculate cardiac output using the Fick method. | 03-13-2014 |
20140180136 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DETERMINING CARDIAC OUTPUT - A system is provided including a thoracic bio-impedance or bio-reactance (TBIR) analysis module, a photoplethysmograph (PPG) analysis module, and a cardiac output module. The TBIR module is configured to obtain TBIR information from a TBIR detector, and the PPG analysis module is configured to obtain PPG information from a PPG detector. The cardiac output module is configured to determine the cardiac output of a patient using the TBIR information and the PPG information. | 06-26-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090247891 | NITRIC OXIDE MEASUREMENTS IN PATIENTS USING FLOWFEEDBACK - The present invention provides a method for measuring FeNO in a subject, wherein the FeNO data derived from a subject patient is normalized to compensate for variations of FeNO with flow rate. | 10-01-2009 |
20100319702 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING TRACHEAL AND LOCATION INFORMATION FOR A TRACHEAL TUBE - According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include signal sources for providing information at various locations on the tube or in an inflated cuff The signals from the signal sources may be triangulated to determine the location of the tube in relation to a reference point on the body. The location information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. | 12-23-2010 |
20100319703 | TRACHEAL TUBE WITH LUMEN FOR TRACHEAL PRESSURE MEASUREMENT AND TECHNIQUE FOR USING THE SAME - According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include a pressure monitoring lumen configured to sample the gases in the tracheal space. The pressure monitoring lumen may be in fluid communication with a pressure transducer that provides pressure measurements. An opening of the lumen may be covered with a porous membrane that allow gas to diffuse freely in and out of the lumen, but that prevents secretions from clogging the lumen. | 12-23-2010 |
20110000790 | TURBOELECTRIC COAGULATION APPARATUS - An apparatus and method for removing contaminant species from water by electrocoagulation are described. Alternating grounded, rotating, planar circular electrodes and stationary planar electrodes function as a Tesla fluid pump when placed in contact with the contaminated water, causing the water to flow between the rotating and stationary electrodes. An insoluble abrasive material introduced into the water removes scale from the electrodes while the water is pumped thereby. A direct electric current is caused to flow between each pair of rotating and stationary electrodes, thereby producing electrocoagulation of the contaminants in the water flowing therebetween. The electrocoagulated materials may be separated from the treated water by filtration or by permitting the treated water to stand for a chosen period. | 01-06-2011 |
20110030680 | TRACHEAL TUBE WITH DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include a drug delivery system for nebulizing drug to droplets within a particular drop size range. The drug delivery system may include an integral nebulizer located towards a distal end of the tracheal tube. The nebulizer may comprise a micropump and may be in fluid communication with a drug delivery lumen, which in turn may be coupled to a system for monitoring the delivery of drug to the nebulizer. The nebulizer may be sized and shaped to be accommodated within a lumen that runs alongside a main respiratory lumen of the tracheal tube. | 02-10-2011 |
20110073115 | TRACHEAL CUFF FOR PROVIDING SEAL WITH REDUCED PRESSURE ON THE TRACHEAL WALLS - According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include a cuff assembly that relies on mechanical pressure rather than inflation pressure to form a seal against a patient's trachea. Such cuff assemblies may include cone or umbrella-shaped structures that may form seals at substantially lower pressures than traditional inflation cuffs. One or more of such cuff assemblies may be used instead of or in addition to an inflation cuff to provide an improved seal. | 03-31-2011 |
20110146690 | SUPRAGLOTTIC FIXATION DEVICE FOR ENDOTRACHEAL TUBES - According to various embodiments, an endotracheal tube ventilating device with a sealing cuff includes an anchoring device. The anchoring device may be secured to the tube above the sealing cuff and extend outwardly from the tubular body. In addition, the anchoring device may be configured to be positioned completely within the hypopharynx of a patient, in contact with the piriform fossa and a laryngeal surface of the epiglottis without creating an airtight seal of the hypopharynx or the esophagus. | 06-23-2011 |
20110178419 | TRACHEAL TUBE WITH PRESSURE MONITORING LUMEN AND METHOD FOR USING THE SAME - According to various embodiments, methods and systems for determining pressure in the lungs may employ tracheal pressure measurements. The tracheal pressure measurements may be obtained through a pressure monitoring lumen associated with a tracheal tube. Such systems may include a purging or flushing mechanism to keep the pressure monitoring lumen free of any obstructions. The flushing mechanism may utilize fluids delivered through the pressure monitoring lumen at a predetermined point in the breathing cycle and/or at a predetermined pressure relative to the respiratory gases. The resulting pressure measurements may be used to determine a more accurate estimate of lung pressure, which in turn may be used to control a ventilator and provide breathing assistance to a patient. | 07-21-2011 |
20110315147 | TRACHEAL TUBE WITH MULTIFUNCTIONAL LUMEN - Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a multifunctional lumen disposed in a tracheal tube wall are provided. Provided tracheal tubes include a ventilation lumen, through which bidirectional airflow may be established to and from a patient during operation, as well as a multifunctional lumen adapted to receive a variety of interchangeable medical devices. Embodiments of the provided tracheal tubes may provide for insertion or removal of a medical device from the multifunctional lumen without extubation of the tracheal tube from a patient. | 12-29-2011 |
20120024293 | MEDICAL DEVICE TUBE HAVING SUCTION LUMEN AND AN ASSOCIATED SUCTIONING SYSTEM - Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a suction lumen are provided. For example, the suction lumen may be associated with two spaced apart pressure transducers, whereby a pressure drop between the transducers indicates that the suction lumen is free of blockages and a characteristic lack of pressure drop and/or particular pressure curve is indicative of a blockage. In addition, embodiments may include a tracheal tube with sensors configured to sense a buildup of secretions. The sensors may be located proximate to an opening in the suction lumen. In other embodiments, a blockage-clearing system for a suction lumen may be provided that blows air into the suction lumen to clear blockages. In particular, in certain embodiments, the blockage-clearing system may operate to create its own pressurized air source by utilizing the pressure change created in the suction line by a blockage. | 02-02-2012 |
20120167882 | TEMPERATURE MONITORING AND CONTROL DEVICES FOR TRACHEAL TUBES - Various embodiments of an intubation system include a tracheal tube, a heat source coupled to the tracheal tube, and a temperature sensor disposable in a patient's trachea to detect a temperature within the patient's trachea. The heat source is adapted to generate heat when the tracheal tube is disposed in the airway of the patient. A temperature control system coupled to the heat source is adapted to monitor the detected temperature and to control generation of heat from the heat source based on the detected temperature. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172664 | MULTI-LUMEN TRACHEAL TUBE WITH VISUALIZATION DEVICE - The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components. | 07-05-2012 |
20120172687 | Certification Apparatus And Method For A Medical Device Computer - Provided herein are methods and apparatuses for certifying computers for use in conjunction with medical devices. These methods may be used in conjunction with a computer that includes software for operating the medical device. To certify a particular computer, one or more testing algorithms or routines for processing data, e.g., data representative of a typical output generated by use of the medical device on a patient, may be executed and the results may be compared to an expected result. In particular embodiments, the certification process may use data stored on the device itself to determine certification or may use data stored with or bundled with the software for operating the device. | 07-05-2012 |
20120298111 | DUAL-LUMEN TRACHEAL TUBE WITH ASSEMBLY PORTION - The present disclosure describes systems and methods having a dual-lumen tube with an assembly end. The assembly end may be molded and coupled to an extruded portion of the tube to form a complete dual-lumen tube. The assembly end may form the distal portion of the dual-lumen tube, which may simplify the manufacturing process by eliminating cutting and shaping steps involved in forming the distal ends of the ventilation lumens. The assembly end may be molded or otherwise formed so that the distal portion is not cut to length. In addition, the assembly end may include addition functionality, such as a camera apparatus or one or more sensors. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302833 | ILLUMINATION SYSTEMS AND DEVICES FOR TRACHEAL TUBES - Various embodiments of an intubation system include a tracheal tube and an illumination assembly that is removably couplable to a tubular body of the tracheal tube. The tracheal tube may be a double lumen tracheal tube having a first cuff that is adapted to be inflated to seal against the walls of a patient's trachea and a second cuff that is adapted to be inflated to seal against the walls of the patient's bronchial stem. The illumination assembly may have one or more illumination devices that are adapted to produce light within the patient's trachea, the patient's bronchial stem, or both when the illumination assembly is coupled to the tubular body. | 11-29-2012 |
20130116519 | MAGNETIC ENHANCEMENT IN DETERMINATION OF PHYSIOLOGICAL BLOOD PARAMETERS - Systems and methods for measuring a physiological parameter of blood in a patient are provided herein. An example method includes establishing with a magnetic array, an first magnetic field along tissue of the patient inserted into the magnetic array and a second magnetic field perpendicular to the tissue, emitting optical signals into further tissue of the patient during at least a first alignment of the magnetic array around the tissue, detecting characteristics of the optical signals, and identifying a value of a physiological parameter based on at least the characteristics of the optical signals. | 05-09-2013 |
20130269703 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING TRACHEAL AND LOCATION INFORMATION FOR A TRACHEAL TUBE - According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include signal sources for providing information at various locations on the tube or in an inflated cuff. The signals from the signal sources may be triangulated to determine the location of the tube in relation to a reference point on the body. The location information may provide an indication as to whether or not the tracheal tube is properly placed within the trachea. | 10-17-2013 |
20130317325 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASUREMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN TISSUE OF A PATIENT - A system to optically measure a physiological parameter of tissue of a patient is provided. The system includes a tissue interface assembly configured to emit an optical signal into the tissue, receive a first measurement signal based on the optical signal propagating along a first path, receive a second measurement signal based on the optical signal propagating along a second path, and transfer the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal for delivery to a processing system. The processing system is coupled to the tissue interface assembly and configured to receive the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal, determine a phase delay between the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal based on a cross correlation analysis, and identify a value of the physiological parameter of the patient based on at least the phase delay between the first measurement signal and the second measurement signal. | 11-28-2013 |
20130324813 | CERTIFICATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR A MEDICAL DEVICE COMPUTER - Provided herein are methods and apparatuses for certifying computers for use in conjunction with medical devices. These methods may be used in conjunction with a computer that includes software for operating the medical device. To certify a particular computer, one or more testing algorithms or routines for processing data, e.g., data representative of a typical output generated by use of the medical device on a patient, may be executed and the results may be compared to an expected result. In particular embodiments, the certification process may use data stored on the device itself to determine certification or may use data stored with or bundled with the software for operating the device. | 12-05-2013 |
20140081164 | TRACHEA PRESSURE DETERMINATION METHOD AND DEVICE - According to various embodiments, methods and systems for determining pressure in the lungs may employ intracuff pressure measurements. The intracuff pressure measurements may calibrated or adjusted based on a set of calibration coefficients or a set of calibration curves, which may reflect patient parameters and cuff/tube geometry factors. The resulting calibration may be used to determine a more accurate estimate of lung pressure, which in turn may be used to control a ventilator and provide breathing assistance to a patient. Also provided are tracheal tubes with couplers or other memory devices for storing calibration information. Such tubes may allow calibration at the level of an individual tracheal tube to account for changes in tube geometry and individual patient factors. | 03-20-2014 |
20140138238 | TURBOELECTRIC COAGULATION APPARATUS - An apparatus and method for removing contaminant species from water by electrocoagulation are described. Alternating grounded, rotating, planar circular electrodes and stationary planar electrodes function as a Tesla fluid pump when placed in contact with the contaminated water, causing the water to flow between the rotating and stationary electrodes. An insoluble abrasive material introduced into the water removes scale from the electrodes while the water is pumped thereby. A direct electric current is caused to flow between each pair of rotating and stationary electrodes, thereby producing electrocoagulation of the contaminants in the water flowing therebetween. The electrocoagulated materials may be separated from the treated water by filtration or by permitting the treated water to stand for a chosen period. | 05-22-2014 |
20140290649 | MEDICAL DEVICE TUBE HAVING A SUCTION LUMEN AND AN ASSOCIATED SUCTIONING SYSTEM - Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a suction lumen are provided. For example, the suction lumen may be associated with two spaced apart pressure transducers, whereby a pressure drop between the transducers indicates that the suction lumen is free of blockages and a characteristic lack of pressure drop and/or particular pressure curve is indicative of a blockage. In addition, embodiments may include a tracheal tube with sensors configured to sense a buildup of secretions. The sensors may be located proximate to an opening in the suction lumen. In other embodiments, a blockage-clearing system for a suction lumen may be provided that blows air into the suction lumen to clear blockages. In particular, in certain embodiments, the blockage-clearing system may operate to create its own pressurized air source by utilizing the pressure change created in the suction line by a blockage. | 10-02-2014 |
20150174352 | MULTI-LUMEN TRACHEAL TUBE WITH VISUALIZATION DEVICE - The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components. | 06-25-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100235715 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR USING MULTI-LEVEL CELL SOLID-STATE STORAGE AS SINGLE-LEVEL CELL SOLID-STATE STORAGE - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for storing information in a storage device that includes multi-level memory cells. The method involves storing data that is written to the storage device in the LSBs of the multi-level memory cells, and storing audit data in the MSBs of the multi-level memory cells. The audit data can be read separately from the data and used to determine whether or not there has been any unintended drift between states in the multi-level cells. The audit data may be used to correct data when the errors in the data are too numerous to be corrected using error correction code (ECC). The audit data may also be used to monitor the general health of the storage device. The monitoring process may run as a background process on the storage device. The storage device may transition the multi-level memory cells to operate as single-level memory cells. | 09-16-2010 |
20110157992 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR BIASING DATA IN A SOLID-STATE STORAGE DEVICE - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for improving performance in a non-volatile solid-state storage device. Non-volatile solid-state storage media includes a plurality of storage cells. The plurality of storage cells is configured such that storage cells in an empty state store initial binary values that satisfy a bias. An input module receives source data for storage in the plurality of storage cells of the non-volatile solid-state storage media. Bits of the source data have a source bias that is different from the bias of the plurality of storage cells. A bit biasing module biases the bits of the source data toward the bias of the plurality of storage cells. A write module writes the biased source data to the plurality of storage cells of the non-volatile solid-state storage media. | 06-30-2011 |
20110182119 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A READ VOLTAGE THRESHOLD FOR SOLID-STATE STORAGE MEDIA - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for determining a read voltage threshold for solid-state storage media. A data set read module reads a data set from storage cells of solid-state storage media. The data set is originally stored in the storage cells with a known bias. A deviation module determines that a read bias for the data set deviates from the known bias. A direction module determines a direction of deviation for the data set. The direction of deviation is based on a difference between the read bias of the data set and the known bias. An adjustment module adjusts a read voltage threshold for the storage cells of the solid-state storage media based on the direction of deviation. | 07-28-2011 |
20120203951 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A CONFIGURATION PARAMETER FOR SOLID-STATE STORAGE MEDIA - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to improve the utility of solid-state storage media by determining one or more configuration parameters for the solid-state storage media. A media characteristic module references one or more storage media characteristics for a set of storage cells of solid-state storage media. A configuration parameter module determines a configuration parameter for the set of storage cells based on the one or more storage media characteristics. A storage cell configuration module configures the set of storage cells to use the determined configuration parameter. | 08-09-2012 |
20120203986 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR MANAGING OPERATIONS FOR DATA STORAGE MEDIA - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing operations for data storage media. An adjustment module interrupts or otherwise adjusts execution of an executing operation on the data storage media. A schedule module executes a pending operation on the data storage media in response to adjusting execution of the executing operation. The pending operation comprises a higher execution priority than the executing operation. The schedule module finishes execution of the executing operation in response to completing execution of the pending operation. | 08-09-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120215961 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR BIASING DATA IN A SOLID-STATE STORAGE DEVICE - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for improving performance in a non-volatile solid-state storage device. Non-volatile solid-state storage media includes a plurality of storage cells. The plurality of storage cells is configured such that storage cells in an empty state store initial binary values that satisfy a bias. An input module receives source data for storage in the plurality of storage cells of the non-volatile solid-state storage media. Bits of the source data have a source bias that is different from the bias of the plurality of storage cells. A bit biasing module biases the bits of the source data toward the bias of the plurality of storage cells. A write module writes the biased source data to the plurality of storage cells of the non-volatile solid-state storage media. | 08-23-2012 |
20120266046 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR USING MULTI-LEVEL CELL SOLID-STATE STORAGE AS SINGLE-LEVEL CELL SOLID-STATE STORAGE - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for storing information in a storage device that includes multi-level memory cells. The method involves storing data that is written to the storage device in the LSBs of the multi-level memory cells, and storing audit data in the MSBs of the multi-level memory cells. The audit data can be read separately from the data and used to determine whether or not there has been any unintended drift between states in the multi-level cells. The audit data may be used to correct data when the errors in the data are too numerous to be corrected using error correction code (ECC). The audit data may also be used to monitor the general health of the storage device. The monitoring process may run as a background process on the storage device. The storage device may transition the multi-level memory cells to operate as single-level memory cells. | 10-18-2012 |
20130003457 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR USING MULTI-LEVEL CELL SOLID-STATE STORAGE AS REDUCED-LEVEL CELL SOLID-STATE STORAGE - A controller is used for an electronic memory device which has multi-level cell (MLC) memory elements. Each MLC memory element is capable of storing at least two bits. The controller includes a physical interface to couple the controller to the electronic memory device. The controller also includes a processing unit coupled to the physical interface. The processing unit operates the electronic memory device in a single-level cell (SLC) mode using a restricted number of programming states for a single data bit. The restricted number of programming states includes a first state which is an erase state. The restricted number of programming states also includes a second state, other than the erase state, which is closest to a natural threshold voltage of the MLC memory elements. | 01-03-2013 |
20130132652 | MANAGING NON-VOLATILE MEDIA - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to manage non-volatile media. A media characteristic module is configured to determine media characteristics for non-volatile media. A configuration parameter module is configured to determine different configuration parameters for different storage cell abodes and/or for different groups of pages of the non-volatile media based on the determined media characteristics. A cell configuration module is configured to use the different configuration parameters for the different storage cell abodes and/or the different groups of pages of the non-volatile media. | 05-23-2013 |
20130205085 | PROGRAM SUSPEND/RESUME FOR MEMORY - A memory device includes a memory array with a plurality of memory elements. Each memory element is configured to store data. The device includes an input/output (I/O) buffer coupled to the memory array. The I/O buffer is configured to receive data from an I/O interface of a memory device controller and write the data to the memory array. The device includes a memory control manager coupled to the memory array. The memory control manager is configured to pause a program operation to the memory array in response to receiving a pause command. The memory control manager is also configured to resume the program operation in response to receiving a resume command. | 08-08-2013 |
20130232289 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR WEAR MANAGEMENT - A storage module is configured to determine a health metric of a storage division of a solid-state storage medium. The health metric may comprise a combination of factors, including, but not limited to: wear level, performance (e.g., program time, erase time, and the like), error rate, and the like. A wear level module may configure storage operations to reduce the wear rate of storage divisions having poor health metrics and/or heath metrics that are degrading more quickly than other storage divisions. Reducing wear rate may include deferring grooming operations, delaying use for storage operations, temporarily retiring the storage division, or the like. Storage divisions may be brought back into service at normal use rates in response determining that other portions of the storage media have been worn to the point that they exhibit similar health and/or reliability characteristics. | 09-05-2013 |
20140056068 | CONFIGURING STORAGE CELLS - Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for configuring storage cells. A method includes determining a usage history for a set of storage cells of a solid-state storage medium. A method includes adjusting a voltage threshold for a set of storage cells by an amount based at least in part on a usage history. A method includes configuring a set of storage cells to use an adjusted voltage threshold. | 02-27-2014 |
20140059406 | REDUCED LEVEL CELL MODE FOR NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for reduced level cell solid-state storage. A method includes determining that an erase block of a non-volatile storage device is to operate in a reduced level cell (RLC) mode. The non-volatile storage device may be configured to store at least three bits of data per storage cell. A method includes instructing the non-volatile storage device to program first and second pages of the erase block with data. A method includes instructing the non-volatile storage device to program a third page of the erase block with a predefined data pattern. Programming of a predefined data pattern may be configured to adjust which abodes of the erase block are available to represent stored user data values. | 02-27-2014 |
20140095775 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CACHE ENDURANCE - A cache and/or storage module may be configured to reduce write amplification in a cache storage. Cache layer write amplification (CLWA) may occur due to an over-permissive admission policy. The cache module may be configured to reduce CLWA by configuring admission policies to avoid unnecessary writes. Admission policies may be predicated on access and/or sequentiality metrics. Flash layer write amplification (FLWA) may arise due to the write-once properties of the storage medium. FLWA may be reduced by delegating cache eviction functionality to the underlying storage layer. The cache and storage layers may be configured to communicate coordination information, which may be leveraged to improve the performance of cache and/or storage operations. | 04-03-2014 |
20140108891 | MANAGING NON-VOLATILE MEDIA - Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed to manage non-volatile media. A method includes determining a configuration parameter for a set of storage cells of a non-volatile recording medium. A method includes reading data from a set of storage cells using a determined configuration parameter. A method includes adjusting a configuration parameter based on read data. | 04-17-2014 |
20140269090 | Periodic Erase Operation for a Non-Volatile Medium - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing erase operations for a data storage medium. A method includes determining whether a use threshold for one or more non-volatile storage cells is satisfied. A method includes performing a default erase operation for the one or more storage cells in response to determining that the use threshold is not satisfied. A method includes performing an extended erase operation for the one or more storage cells in response to determining that the use threshold is satisfied. An extended erase operation may include a greater number of erase pulse iterations than a default erase operation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281119 | Managing Configuration Parameters for a Non-Volatile Medium - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing configuration parameters of a non-volatile storage device. The method includes storing a first set of configuration parameters for a non-volatile recording device. The first set of configuration parameters are configured for a storage operation on a storage element of the non-volatile recording device. The method also includes storing a second set of configuration parameters for the non-volatile recording device during execution of the storage operation on the storage element. The second set of configuration parameters are configured for a second storage operation on the storage element of the non-volatile recording device. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281819 | Managing Data Reliability - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for managing data reliability. A priority module is configured to receive a storage request for a non-volatile memory device. The storage request may include data associated with a priority. The non-volatile memory device includes a plurality of cells, and each cell encodes a plurality of bits. The bits for a cell provide distinct levels of quality of service. A select module is configured to select a bit for storing the data based on the priority of the data and the level of quality of service of the selected bit. A data management module is configured to manage the data to satisfy a write order for the plurality of bits. | 09-18-2014 |
20140281842 | Non-Volatile Cells Having a Non-Power-of-Two Number of States - An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for accessing non-volatile cells. An interface module is configured to receive data for storage on a non-volatile memory medium. The non-volatile memory medium includes an array of cells, and each cell encodes a non-power-of-two number of states, or abodes per cell. A base conversion module is configured to convert the data from a binary representation to a representation in a non-binary base. The non-binary base uses a number of unique digits equal to the non-power-of-two number of abodes per cell. A write module is configured to store the converted data to the array of cells. | 09-18-2014 |
20140369118 | CONFIGURING STORAGE CELLS - Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for configuring storage cells. A method includes determining a usage history for a set of storage cells of a solid-state storage medium. A method includes adjusting a voltage threshold for a set of storage cells by an amount based at least in part on a usage history. A method includes configuring a set of storage cells to use an adjusted voltage threshold. | 12-18-2014 |
20150113223 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ADAPTIVE RESERVE STORAGE - A storage layer may over-provision physical storage resources of a storage medium by reserving a portion of the full physical storage capacity of the storage medium for use as reserve capacity. The reserve capacity may be used to prevent write stall conditions and/or for grooming operations, such as storage recovery, refresh, and the like. A reserve module may be configured to adapt the reserve capacity in accordance with, inter alia, operating conditions on the storage layer. The reserve module may be configured to dynamically modify the storage capacity available through the storage layer. A cache layer configured to cache data of a backing store on the storage layer, may be configured to add and/or remove cache entries in response to changes in the reserve capacity. | 04-23-2015 |
20150117107 | READ OPERATION FOR A NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for a read operation for a non-volatile memory. A method includes determining whether one or more non-volatile storage cells satisfy a predefined condition. A method includes preparing the one or more non-volatile storage cells for use prior to satisfying a read request from a storage client using the one or more non-volatile storage cells in response to determining that a predefined condition is satisfied. | 04-30-2015 |
20150149817 | MANAGING NON-VOLATILE MEDIA - Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed to manage non-volatile media. A method includes determining a configuration parameter for a set of storage cells of a non-volatile recording medium. A method includes reading data from a set of storage cells using a determined configuration parameter. A method includes adjusting a configuration parameter based on read data. | 05-28-2015 |
20150193299 | SELECTIVE COPYBACK FOR ON DIE BUFFERED NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for on die buffered non-volatile memory management. A method includes storing data in a first set of non-volatile memory cells. A method includes determining one or more attributes associated with data. A method includes determining whether to store data in a second set of non-volatile memory cells based on one or more attributes. A second set of non-volatile memory cells may be configured to store more bits per cell than a first set of non-volatile memory cells. | 07-09-2015 |
20150193302 | SELECTIVE ECC REFRESH FOR ON DIE BUFFERED NON-VOLATILE MEMORY - Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for on die buffered non-volatile memory management. A method includes storing data in a first set of non-volatile memory cells. A method includes determining whether to perform an error-correcting code (ECC) refresh for data to be copied from a first set of non-volatile memory cells to a second set of non-volatile memory cells based on one or more attributes associated with the data. A method includes storing data in a second set of non-volatile storage cells representing data using more storage cells per cell than a first set of non-volatile storage cells. | 07-09-2015 |
20150248922 | DIVIDING A STORAGE PROCEDURE - Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are disclosed for storage operations for a non-volatile medium. A control module may be configured to divide a storage procedure into multiple portions. An execution module may be configured to execute multiple portions of a storage procedure independently. A storage request module may be configured to satisfy a storage request for one or more storage elements of a storage procedure between at least a pair of portions of a storage procedure. | 09-03-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090277154 | RECUPERATOR FOR AIRCRAFT TURBINE ENGINES - A recuperator for use in transferring heat from gas turbine exhaust gases to compressed air inlet gases before combustion. The recuperator utilizes a plurality (e.g., thousands) of microtubes or microchannels to form a heat exchanger having high effectiveness and low pressure drop while maintaining a low weight. Accordingly, the recuperator presented herein may be incorporated into light aircraft and helicopters without significantly compromising the performance thereof. | 11-12-2009 |
20100111697 | WIND ENERGY GENERATION DEVICE - Wind turbine devices are presented that use counter rotating rotor assemblies in a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) arrangement. This reduces the torque applied to the HAWT thereby reducing the structural requirements of a wind energy generation system. Additionally, the counter rotating rotor assemblies cooperatively rotate an output shaft. In one arrangement, this shaft is a vertical shaft which allows removing power generation equipment from the axis of rotation of a HAWT to a position below the wind turbine and/or located on the ground. | 05-06-2010 |
20100224721 | VTOL AERIAL VEHICLE - A vertical take off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, which may be a UAV aircraft, is disclosed. The VTOL is capable of vertical takeoff and landing, hovering and traveling of slow speeds. In addition the VTOL permits high-speed forward flight that allows for increasing the range of the aircraft. | 09-09-2010 |
20110014028 | COMPRESSOR COOLING FOR TURBINE ENGINES - Systems, apparatuses and methods (“utilities”) for use in “internally” cooling the compressor of a gas turbine engine so as to approximate isothermal compression and thereby increase the power and/or efficiency of the engine. In one arrangement, a “cooling jacket” or heat exchanger having coolant circulating or passing therethrough may be mounted around an outer surface of the compressor to absorb heat or thermal energy generated from the compressor. In another arrangement, the stator blades of the compressor may include passages through which a coolant may be circulated or passed to absorb heat from air passing through the compressor. | 01-20-2011 |
20110146226 | RECUPERATOR FOR GAS TURBINE ENGINES - A recuperator for use in transferring heat from gas turbine exhaust gases to compressed air inlet gases before combustion. The recuperator utilizes a plurality of stacked foils that define microchannels to form a recuperator having high effectiveness and low pressure drop while maintaining a low weight. Accordingly, the recuperator presented herein may be incorporated into light aircraft and helicopters without significantly compromising the performance thereof. | 06-23-2011 |